Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications

Merck & Co.; Elmora (NJ); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Health benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co. invites applications for the role of Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications.

Based in Rahway, NJ, with a hybrid work setup (3 days in-office, 2 days remote), the role supports external communications strategies for our broad oncology portfolio and pipeline assets under the guidance of the Executive Director. The candidate will develop integrated communications, manage high-volume materials through reviews, and collaborate with regions worldwide to align on oncology

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or life sciences required.
• Minimum five years' experience in communications or public relations; healthcare/pharma experience preferred.
• Product communications experience including managing data-heavy communications and regulatory milestones.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communications for oncology in-line products and Phase 3 assets, including data milestones and regulatory milestones.
• Drive editorial strategy to raise external awareness of late-stage oncology assets through targeted outreach and digital channels.
• Identify and support storylines, media opportunities, and external speaking engagements to showcase assets.
• Prepare oncology leaders for message delivery, media engagement, and external speaking opportunities.
• Develop materials for global regions, advise subsidiaries on franchise and product communications issues.
• Act as liaison to third-party groups, advocacy orgs, researchers, and media.

Skills

Agency Management

Brand Awareness

Media Relations

Communication Strategy

Crisis Communications

Executive Presence

Internal Communications

Product Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or life sciences

Job description

Job Description

The role of Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications, is a unique opportunity to join our company, a recognized leader in oncology, as a key member of the Global Oncology Communications team. The role will support the creation and implementation of external communications strategies, plans and tactics related to our company's broad oncology portfolio and pipeline assets. The candidate selected for this role will work under the guidance of the Executive Director, Global Oncology Communications in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

The position will be based in Rahway, NJ with a Hybrid setup (combination of 3 days in-office & 2 days off-site/remote).

Primary responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communications activities in support of our company's oncology in-line products and Phase 3 pipeline assets, heavy emphasis on data milestone communications (data releases, medical meeting communications) and regulatory milestones and approvals.
• Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of late-stage oncology pipeline assets - through conducting meaningful, targeted communication outreach including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of our Company. Include appropriate metrics and leverage with key audiences.
• Identify, develop and support unique storylines, media and thought-leadership opportunities to showcase our late-stage oncology pipeline assets that complement oncology narrative with key external stakeholders.
• Prepare and brief oncology leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities.
• Develop and communicate strategies, programs and materials for use by our company's regions and subsidiaries worldwide; help advise regions and subsidiaries for franchise and product communications issues.
• Serve as a liaison to third party groups (including advocacy organizations) and external experts (including researchers) and to trade and local news media.
• Manage high volume of materials (press releases, social media content, core response documents, etc.) through medical and legal review process, developing strong and collaborative relationships with review boards.
• Work directly with public relations agencies and help manage related budgets.

Minimum Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required.
• Minimum five years' experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.
• Product communications experience - including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones; product launch experience highly desirable.
• Candidate must have deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong business and financial acumen.
• Must have strong executive presence, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work under tight deadlines with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaborate within a matrixed organization.
• Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board.
• Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

• Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role.
• Creative and passionate professional with experience in the development and implementation of integrated communications programs.
• Experience in internal and external communications, including executive communications and issues/crisis management.
• Follows communications trends and has proficiency with social and digital channels.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience in supporting R&D or oncology communications
• Experience working with C-suite and senior level executives
• Budget and agency management experience

Required Skills

Required Skills: Agency Management, Agency Management, Brand Awareness, Business Metrics, C-Level Management, Communication Management, Communications Planning, Communication Strategy Development, Competency Management, Content Creation, Crisis Communication Management, Digital Channels, Executive Presence, Internal Communications, Marketing Capabilities, Media Monitoring, Media Relations, Medical Affairs, Oncology, Policy Development, Product Communications, Product Rollouts, Project Leadership, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory Management {+ 10 more}

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.

An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.

• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 08/27/2026

Requisition ID: R413677